Assam: PPFA Urges Northeast Citizens to Celebrate 76th Republic Day Amid Boycott Calls by Militants

GUWAHATI: The Patriotic People’s Front Assam (PPFA) has called on every Indian residing in the northeastern region to actively celebrate the 76th Republic Day and pay tribute to the martyrs of India’s Freedom Movement by unfurling the national flag. The nationalist forum criticized the boycott calls issued by separatist militant outfits, emphasizing the significance of the Tricolour as a symbol of independence that belongs to all citizens, not just the government.

The PPFA highlighted the sacrifices of freedom fighters such as Kanaklata Barua, Mukunda Kakoti, Kushal Konwar, Tilak Deka, Bhogeswari Phukanani, and others who laid down their lives for India’s independence. “It is a moral responsibility for every Bharatiya to honor their sacrifice by celebrating Republic Day and Independence Day,” read the statement from the organization.

Meanwhile, several militant groups in the region have renewed their boycott calls. Six banned Manipur-based outfits under the Coordination Committee banner including the Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, PREPAK-Pro, Revolutionary People’s Front, and United National Liberation Front (UNLF) announced a total shutdown in Manipur on January 26 from midnight to 6 p.m. They accused the Union government of turning Manipur into a "militarized state" and fostering "proxy insurgency" to undermine indigenous voices.

In a separate statement, the Socialist Revolutionary Party Kangleipak declared a shutdown in Manipur on January 26 from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m., urging the public to boycott Republic Day celebrations. Similarly, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland and the United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) called for boycotts in Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. These groups announced a general strike from 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 26, opposing what they referred to as the "colonial Indian Republic Day." Essential services, including healthcare, electricity, fire brigades, water supply, and media, have been exempted from the shutdown.

The PPFA noted that militant groups, once united in their boycott campaigns, are now fragmented and issuing separate calls, diminishing their influence. The forum encouraged citizens to reject these boycotts and participate in Republic Day celebrations to honor the nation’s spirit and its martyrs.

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